How Europe changed me

In her final Wednesday Word column, Miami University student Alexandra DeCraene looks back on her time in Luxembourg, what she's learned along the way and how Europe has changed her.

22.05.2014

by Alexandra DeCraene

It’s over.

I’ve spent four amazing months in Europe. I’ve visited 14 countries, made amazing friends, and truly lived my dream. But now it’s all over. It’s strange that something I looked forward to for so long is just done.

The past four months flew by for me. But as I prepare to come home, what’s nagging me is what I’m bringing back. And I don’t just mean my oversize baggage.

When you’re away from home, that place somewhat freezes in your mind. And it’s true to an extent. My friends and family didn’t just live what I did. Many of them have never even been out of the country. Their lives stayed relatively the same this semester, while mine changed so drastically. So this is for you:

To the Ones I Left Behind,

• Please don’t be annoyed when I talk about Europe all the time. I don’t want you to be left out, I just want to share this amazing experience with you.

• Bear with me when I want to stay at a restaurant for three hours. This is life now.

• I still care about your problems, but now boys and drama seem so insignificant after seeing the world.

• Somehow, I don’t think boxed wine is going to cut it anymore.

• As a warning, I will become fiercely protective about the entire country of Luxembourg.

• I can’t place it, but something has shifted in my thinking. Studying abroad and seeing new things has changed my perspective. I need a little while to figure it out myself.

• Sometimes I might get frustrated by how small our college town is. Take a road trip with me when I feel like I can’t breathe.

• Please know, I missed you every second of every day. I never forgot about you. The only thing I would’ve changed is bringing you with me.

Love,

Your World Traveller

Looking back, I can’t believe how different I am than the naïve girl who didn’t know trains had connections (embarrassing). From navigating the Paris Metro, laying on the beaches of Barcelona, the top of the London Eye, to sitting in the Grund in Luxembourg, I am so lucky to have called Europe home for the last four months. I want to thank Luxembourg for welcoming me, and I will leave a part of me here forever.

So, America, I’m coming for you. And Europe-it’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you soon.